Abstract
Elevated levels of serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OH-P), either by direct assay (DRIA), which includes an interference substance, or after diethyl either extraction (E), have been described in premature babies (PT). However the nature of the interference substance remains unknown. Serum 17-OH-P by DRIA were determined in 8 full term newborns with adequate weight for gestational age. Mean values during the first 7 days of life were 24.75±15.19, 62.85±25.25 and 74.78±37.09 nmol/l respectively. These values were significantly higher than those determined after E (3.60±2.81, 8.77±6.6 and 6.14 ±4.34 nmol/L, p<0.01). A significant negative correlation was found between 17-OH-P DRIA and gestational age, r=0.53, p<0.01 and r=0.61 p<0.01, on days 1 and 5 of life respectively. The negative slope was found between 17-OH-P DRIA and Cortisol (r=0.81, p<0.01) or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DS) (r=0.56, p<0.01) on day 1 but not on day 5. It is concluded that 17-OH-P DRIA is higher than 17-PH-P DRIA and that lack of correlation on day 5 between 17-OH-P DRIA is higher than 17-OH-P DRIA and Cortisol or DS suggests that the interference has an extraadrenal origin. It could be a product of the hepatic metabolism of adrenal steroids.
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Warman, M., Nizzo, D., Chaler, E. et al. SERUM 17-OH PAROGESTERONE LEVELS IN PREMATURES BY DIRECT AND POST EXTRACTION ASSAYS DURING THE FIRST SEVEN DAYS OF LIFE. Pediatr Res 28, 422 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199010000-00045
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199010000-00045